The UK government has pledged to maintain “effective support” for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) as it embarks on a significant overhaul of the education system, according to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson. With a White Paper set for release on Monday, parents are keenly awaiting details amidst concerns that the reforms may limit existing support.
Commitment to Increased Funding
Phillipson emphasised that the government intends to allocate more resources, not less, to assist children with SEND. In an interview with the BBC, she reassured parents that under the new framework, support would be more accessible and timely. “The assurance I can give to parents is that under the new system, more children will receive support,” she stated, adding that this would occur “when they need it and where they need it.”
The proposed changes come in response to mounting pressure to address the rising costs associated with SEND provision, which many experts deem unsustainable. The system, widely regarded as being in crisis, will see children assessed based on their needs as they transition to secondary education from 2029, according to leaked details of the forthcoming policy paper.
New Assessment Procedures
One of the most notable changes will be the introduction of Individual Support Plans (ISPs) for all children identified with special educational needs. These plans will carry some legal weight, ensuring that every child, regardless of whether they currently have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), receives tailored support from their schools.
Phillipson confirmed that EHCPs will continue to play a vital role within the new structure, aiming to streamline accessibility and reduce the bureaucratic hurdles that parents often face. “Parents won’t have to fight so hard to get support through an EHCP,” she asserted, referencing the historically complicated process that often leaves families feeling overwhelmed and unsupported.
Concerns from Opposition and Parents
Despite these assurances, the proposed reforms have prompted apprehension among opposition parties and parents alike. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott expressed concerns about the potential risks of reassessment, suggesting that many families have had to battle for the support their children require.
Parents like Hannah Luxford, who waited 18 months for her son to receive an EHCP, worry that the reforms might jeopardise their children’s entitlements. Luxford, whose son is thriving in a funded virtual school, fears that any reduction in legal protections could revert their progress: “If that’s taken away, it will take us back to where we were five years ago,” she lamented.
Financial Pressures and Future Outlook
The government’s decision to assume responsibility for SEND costs currently borne by local councils starting in 2028 is expected to impose a £6 billion financial strain. The Institute for Fiscal Studies has highlighted three potential avenues for managing this mounting pressure: increasing education funding, implementing reforms to curtail SEND spending growth, or making cuts elsewhere.
Luke Sibieta from the IFS noted that the current system is mired in conflict and inconsistencies, with rising numbers of EHCPs failing to translate into improved quality of support for children.
Additionally, the government aims to halve the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers by the time children born during this Parliament complete secondary school. The latest statistics reveal that this gap has widened to its highest level in a decade, underscoring the urgent need for effective reform.
Why it Matters
The upcoming reforms to the SEND system represent a crucial juncture for families navigating the complexities of educational support. While the government’s commitment to increased funding and streamlined processes is promising, the real test will be in the implementation and actual outcomes for children. Parents and educators alike are watching closely, as the balance between necessary reforms and the protection of existing support will be pivotal in shaping the future of SEND provision in England.
